Preach On

I ran into my local caffe this evening and spotted two friends. Within minutes we began speaking on church, or rather, Christianity. It was mentioned that Catholicism is the same as Christianity. I politely disagreed. It was said that whether Muslim or Christian, one should not preach at another. I agreed, and also disagreed (if that is even possible?). The voices got a bit louder and I heard the statements that organized religion is rubbish, and not only that, but who can direct spirituality but one’s self? I agree. I also know that I am human, and not God. I know that with every piece of power given, most humans I know would crumble in its weight. To possess power and not use it for selfish reasons is unheard of, in the purest way. Again, we are humans and by our nature we prove to one another, time and time again, how finite we are.

In all my years, as few as they are, I find one reoccurring theme in the human’s viewpoint and opinion – we rarely take the time to seek, to do our true homework, and would rather base our voiced opinions on those we’ve heard whom we may trust or love, rather than digging deep for the source. We are at combat with many things in our society and politics and religion seem to be the top contenders. I found it interesting however, that I am bombarded by “yoga this” and ‘yoga that’ and similarly, though shown and showcased as a healthy way to exercise, it is an integral part of the Hindu religion. In a way, the instructors themselves are preaching and to that I said, why should I have to pay for it in order to be taught it? The advertising for yoga has become as much a big business for studios as a Muslim’s passage to Mecca or a Christian rock band or t-shirt company.

It does not take us long before we take what was once holy and manipulate it, change it, suit it to our needs or make it watered down for all. It is sad and I am sure of those who started these religions or movements would look at us now and shake a head or two. I was reading Brennan Manning again last night (whom I love as an author and voice of instruction), and came across this: “By extinguishing the spirit that burns in the gospel, we scarcely feel the glow anymore. We have gotten so used to the ultimate Christian fact – Jesus naked, stripped, and crucified – that we no longer see it for what it actually is. We are to strip ourselves of earthly cares and worldly wisdom, all desire for human praise, greediness for any kind of comfort, spiritual consolations included. The gospel is a summons to be stripped of those fine pretenses by which we manage to paint a portrait of ourselves for the admiration of friends.” Wow! How opposite of what we see in churches! How opposite of what we see in most that claim Christianity. How modeled was that my Gandhi, or by Mother Teresa? You know?

I recall a story of a friend on a yoga retreat, much more able and notable than the others. She over extended herself in a certain, difficult pose – that is to say, the ego got in the way of the practice and brought injury. In all forms of religion, we see a battle of self/flesh and unselfishness/holiness. I am unsure if we will ever get it. Although should we get it, and should we understand, it may only bring about a boasting of such things. Like in anything, even with yoga, the moves and poses have become a big deal and a rights to show the expertise of a yogi, when in fact they came from breathing techniques and were much less ego based, I’m sure.

So I am increasingly curious as to observing the human language, the human patterns of living and our wonderful ways of habit. We are not too different than our ancestors at times, though having more to know and more to do, we seem to be distracted all the quicker by our tendency to out-do, out-earn, out-play, out-smart and out-live our opponents, or should I say neighbors. Jesus never had it too far off when he said love your neighbor as you love yourself. Right there, there are two big, big truths. Neighbor (other humans). Self (you). I don’t feel much more needs to be said to many. We have enough books, enough conversations. I believe humankind needs to start putting the ego’s down, putting the lips to sleep and using the knowledge we already have, the hearts we only run at half speed and the minds that idle at 10% to start doing something more with ourselves before we are so consumed with consumption that we devour all that is left of our souls…

So to go to church or not, or practice what we preach or not, I say seek – and you will find, but then again, I was not the first to say that…

…happy travels soul wanderers.